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Kahan's Korner - News from International

Allan Kahan from Ohr
Kodesh is a former Seaboard Regional President.The Seaboard Region is delighted that in addition to his role as FJMC
webmaster, he was recently installed as International Secretary. We look forward
to Allan keeping us abreast of the latest developments at the executive level.

Hi! I’m Allan Kahan, and this is Kahan’s Korner. From time
to time I’ll update you on things International. As we head toward the secular new year, there is lots
happening with the FJMC.

New Tag Line. Earlier
this year, the FJMC adopted a new tag line and updated logo. Our tag-line, “FJMC: Leadership… Innovation…. Community, will
be something you’ll be seeing more of in the coming months, unifying our
message, and accurately explains what we do: Leadership –mentoring leaders at the
club, region and international level, Innovation - developing programming
that better connects people of all ages to the Jewish community, Community –forming meaningful
long-lasting relationships based on camaraderie, common interests and core
values.

New Website. Development
of a new website. When we realized
there were limitations to our website, we decided to rebuild it from the
ground-up, using new software, and that would work seamlessly with our new
database system. And Andy Simon, of
New England Region, has joined me in developing and updating the new
website.

New Database. We’re in the process of finishing a new database
system for both the office and your club and region. The region will be able to update its
officer list and information from any internet connected computer, and the
club will be able to make changes to its membership list (including new
addresses, email information, etc.) also from any internet-connected
computer.

2013 International Convention.
Plans are well under way for the upcoming International Convention,
to be held outside of Boston, Massachusetts from July 24-28, 2013. Registration opens December 15th
(after Shabbat). Seaboard Region
provides generous subsidies for both first-time attendees ($500.00) and
repeat visitors ($400.00). The
ruach and learning you’ll come back with make it a must do experience.

New Publications. The
FJMC recently published two new books.
Understanding the Haftarot, by Rabbi Simon, Executive
Director, FJMC, provides the reader with the context to understand how the
haftarot were organized, why they might have been selected and suggests
reasons for finding meaning and value.
And Intermarriage: Concepts & Strategies for Families and
Synagogue Leaders, reflects the most current thinking about
intermarriage to date and attempts to provide family members and community
leaders with the needed understanding to effectively work with
intermarrieds or potential intermarrieds.

Enhanced Hearing Men’s Voices Program. To be unveiled at Convention 2013, we’re
exploring various additional ways for men to talk about the meaningful
issues of their life. These new
formats have been tested at a number of regional retreats around the
country, and plan to make convention 2013 most meaningful on a personal
level as well.

Continuing the Keruv Discussion.
The FJMC has joined forces with the Center for Modern Jewish
Studies at Brandeis University guide your congregation in lowering
barriers to participation in synagogue life and raising the level of
engagement of all of your diverse members. The program blends assessment,
training, action, and research. These components focus on synagogue
policies and practices that affect welcoming and engagement, and on
people’s thoughts and feelings about the congregational community and
their part in it.

Heneni. In the Torah,
when G-d called to Abraham and Moses, they responded: “Heneni – Here I am!” If you’d like to show your support for
the innovative work of the FJMC, and receive an attractive pin displaying
your commitment, log on to the website to learn about your friends and
brothers who have made the commitment.

At the end of January, the Joel Gaffen Leadership
Development Institute is held in Seaboard Region’s very own Pearlstone
Conference Center (where the region holds its Retreat). Upcoming leaders from around the country
spend an intense and ruach-filled weekend learning skills that will help them
lead their regions and work with other leaders from around the country. If you ever wanted a reason to get involved
in regional leadership, the opportunity to be in attendance at LDI is a strong
one. The FJMC’s Executive Leadership
holds in meeting that weekend as well.

Well, that should show you that on the international level,
the FJMC is not standing still. In
early February, I’ll post an update.